* Walking in a Winter Wonderland * - It's the 2015 Christmas Chatter Thread

DanielleNic87

Feisty- I used to process ESA claims. In an ideal world everyones claims should be assessed by ATOS in the 1st 13 weeks. Unfortunately because ATOS are up sh*t street it is taking MUCH longer.... However they shouldn't be stopping your DH benefits, he should continue on the "assessment phase" whilst he is awaiting a medical and then following the medical have any premiums backdated.

The people he speaks to at the contact centres are unfortunately not benefit trained and more often then not give incorrect information.

I will try and find some information for you, but if you need any further info just give me a shout

princesskitty29

Thanks pixtotts, think we might have to do that! DH got fed up of the idea of getting it out and said we had to keep it there till next Christmas! Who knows what state it would be in by then....:rotfl:

CHRISSYG glad to hear you had a lie in, you deserve one.

Wow fab bargains msgigglewick and gettingtherequickly!

Daniellenic I love your sweetie Santa! Really great design.

Well wiggle treated us this morning and slept in until 6:30am, he normally wakes up around 5:30!

I'm ploughing on with my new years resolution, I've now made two new recipes this week; last night I made chorizo and potato omelette from my Jamie at Home book. Yum!

mrsinvisible

hi, Love the sweetie santa Danielle, thank you all for the good wishes for DS2, The lady doctor he saw was lovely, she ased all the questions, and really listened to us, at the end of it she said she was recommending that he be put in the support group, we just have to wait now and see if the decision maker agrees with her.
Feisty, that is surely illegal? to not have any benefit because atos are behind with their assessments, yes, l also believe that he should get the assessment rate at least, as interim payment. There is a good website called Benefits and work, who may be able to help?
Glad the sleep fairy visited you Chrissy, and princessK, I haven't done any more Christmas sales shopping, but may go out with DD at the weekend, even if the sales are naff, we always enjoy ourselves.
Now l need anther cup of coffee, and the last (honest) mince pie. xxx

FeistyFidget

DanielleNic87 wrote: »

Feisty- I used to process ESA claims. In an ideal world everyones claims should be assessed by ATOS in the 1st 13 weeks. Unfortunately because ATOS are up sh*t street it is taking MUCH longer.... However they shouldn't be stopping your DH benefits, he should continue on the "assessment phase" whilst he is awaiting a medical and then following the medical have any premiums backdated.

The people he speaks to at the contact centres are unfortunately not benefit trained and more often then not give incorrect information.

I will try and find some information for you, but if you need any further info just give me a shout

mrsinvisible wrote: »

hi, Love the sweetie santa Danielle, thank you all for the good wishes for DS2, The lady doctor he saw was lovely, she ased all the questions, and really listened to us, at the end of it she said she was recommending that he be put in the support group, we just have to wait now and see if the decision maker agrees with her.
Feisty, that is surely illegal? to not have any benefit because atos are behind with their assessments, yes, l also believe that he should get the assessment rate at least, as interim payment. There is a good website called Benefits and work, who may be able to help?
Glad the sleep fairy visited you Chrissy, and princessK, I haven't done any more Christmas sales shopping, but may go out with DD at the weekend, even if the sales are naff, we always enjoy ourselves.
Now l need anther cup of coffee, and the last (honest) mince pie. xxx

Firstly a big thank you to everyone for your help and suport during a very stressful time

DH was told that because I work over 25 hours a week he is not entitled to income related ESA and so was put on contribution ESA which is only valid for 365 days. We queried why we are being punished because atos are behind, and that surely they can't stop our benefits. We were told we are not entitled to anything, I don't understand how this can be legal

MrsI I'm off to check that site now, thank you x

mrs-moneypenny

coping hugs for you fiesty, i hope it all gets sorted out quickly and stress levels are eased.

princesskitty29

mrsinvisible glad your DS saw a nice doctor, in my experience that makes all the difference with the kind of treatment you receive.

Oh feisty it just seems to be one thing after another for you, you are such a strong person dealing with all of this. I really, really hope you can get this sorted out. I think sometimes these people forget they're talking to actual humans who have situations and need this money to live on. Big hug.

All quiet here at the moment, I haven't done anymore sale shopping or anything Christmassy - except pinning a million more things on Pinterest! Better get started on my new years resolution!

Peppapig

Feisty so sorry to hear of the problems you and DH are having - PrincessKitty is right, sometimes these people seem to forget that there are real people being affected. I do hope Danielle can help. As you're working too much for some benefits, could you claim working tax credits? Apologies if that's a stupid suggestion, my benefits knowledge pre-dates most of the things that are in place now.

mcculloch29

Feisty, I belong to a very knowledgeable and friendly disability forum called Ouchtoo, that sprang from the ashes of the old BBC Ouch disability discussion boards. I went on to the original Ouch in December 2009 seeking advice over my ATOS interview for DLA, and it was the good advice there that secured me my higher rate mobility - and disabled person's working tax credit as a result, plus bus pass, blue badge, VAT free disability aids etc etc
The welfare and benefits rights section is moderated by a splendid lady who works in the sector http://ouchtoo.org/index.php

nic2075

Hugs Fiesty, I'm sure you will get it sorted, you are strong and looks like you are getting good advice.


I went to the CAb this morning. I feel a huge relief. I need to wait for an appointment to speak to an advisor, but at least I got all the money issues onto paper. The man I spoke to was lovely but a but judgemental at my situation. I don't think he meant to be, he was a bit older (looked like Santa lol) and said I had a complicated life! All because I have a part time job, self employed and am employed by the council on a bank list, but have no shifts.


I popped into Wilko's and got some reduced wrapping paper (12m for £1) and crackers.

nic2075

Feeling really touchy. I am on a slimming thread and someone has questioned something I had on my plan to eat. Made me feel crap as if I was making a ridiculous choice. The thread is usually supportive, but it's made me not want to go on it. I know the plan inside out and have did it successfully ( when I have the motivation).

Not really having a good day, with folk questioning me, oh starting a new job with half the pay and more hours. January is not my favourite month lol x